https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41962 Wed 26 Oct 2022 16:01:49 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:54939 Wed 17 Aug 2022 14:39:15 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41606 Wed 13 Mar 2024 09:37:38 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38577 Wed 12 Oct 2022 12:44:54 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38367 Wed 12 May 2021 23:40:00 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38746 Wed 12 May 2021 23:03:20 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37968 Wed 12 May 2021 22:47:28 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39482 Wed 12 May 2021 22:33:26 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38314 Wed 12 May 2021 21:04:16 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38547 Wed 12 May 2021 20:57:26 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37937 Wed 12 May 2021 20:49:13 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39408 Wed 12 May 2021 20:27:28 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38416 Wed 12 May 2021 20:04:46 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39653 Wed 12 May 2021 19:57:13 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37810 Wed 12 May 2021 19:28:59 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39605 Wed 12 May 2021 18:39:49 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38091 Wed 12 May 2021 18:26:49 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37649 Wed 12 May 2021 17:51:01 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38663 Wed 12 May 2021 17:37:38 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37907 20-40mm), swimmers, flattened body shape, a preference for temporary attachment, crawling, respiration with aerial/vegetation, possession of breathing tubes, possession of strap or other apparatus for respiration, streamlined body, and a high sensitivity to oxygen depletion. Permanent attachment as an ecological preference associated with LIS was also positively correlated with increasing dissolved oxygen (DO) and was deemed a pollution sensitive ecological preference. The possession of very small body size (<5mm), associated with HIS, was deemed a pollution-tolerant trait and was negatively correlated with DO, confirming the deteriorating state of the urban and urban-agricultural rivers. The impact of urban-forestry pollution on the distribution pattern of macroinvertebrate traits and ecological preferences was also explored in the selected rivers. Traits and ecological preferences such as possession of hard-shell, large body size, and grazing as a feeding preference which were significantly positively associated with the LIS, were also either significantly positively correlated with DO, or significantly negatively correlated with increasing any two of flow velocity, water temperature, BOD5 and nutrient. These traits and ecological preferences were deemed sensitive in forested rivers receiving urban pollution. Further, burrowing, the pupa aquatic stage, and predation which were significantly positively associated with HIS on the RLQ ordination, were also significantly negatively associated with DO. These traits were deemed tolerant of forested systems receiving urban pollution. Multimetric indices (MMI) were developed, validated and applied for urban, urban-agriculture and urban-forested (MMI-urban, MMI-urban-agric and urban-forest) areas. Of the 26 metrics that satisfactorily discriminated between the LIS, the MIS, and the HIS for MMI-urban, only five metric were retained for integration into MMI-urban, they are log VeL, Hemiptera abundance, % Coleoptera + Hemiptera, % Chironomidae + Oligochaeta and Evenness index. Further, of the 18 metrics that satisfactorily discriminated between the LIS, the MIS, and the HIS for MMI-urban-agric, only 12 metrics were retained and nine proved to be redundant. The nine metrics represent different measures; two of them were retained in addition to Chironomidae/Diptera abundance, % Odonata and Oligochaeta richness. The two metrics selected in addition to the hironomidae/Diptera abundance, % Odonata and Oligochaeta richness were the Margalef index and the logarithm of relative abundance of sprawler. For the MMI-urban-forest, 14 metrics satisfactorily discriminated between the LIS, the MIS, and the HIS, and 12 metrics were retained and 11 proved to be redundant. The non-redundant metric was Trichoptera abundance. Three metrics were further selected in addition to the Trichoptera abundance which include % Chironomidae + Oligochaeta, Coleoptera + Hemiptera richness and Shannon diversity. The MMI-urban and MMI-urban-agric indices performed better for LIS designated stations compared to the MIS and HIS deignated stations. The developed indices proved effective as biomonitoring tools for assessing the ecological health of rivers in the urban and urban-agriculture catchments within the Niger Delta. Overall, the results of the macroinvertebrate traits and ecological preferences, and taxonomic approaches showed the strength in the complementarity of both approaches in developing biomonitoring tools for assessing levels of deterioration in riverine systems. The study contributes significantly to understanding the ecology of riverine systems in the Niger Delta, particularly those subject to urban stresses, agricultural activities and urban pollution in forested systems, and thus makes an important contribution to the science and practice of biomonitoring in Nigeria where such studies are sparse.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 17:31:44 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39509 Wed 12 May 2021 17:20:28 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39655 Wed 12 May 2021 17:18:59 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39607 Wed 12 May 2021 16:47:28 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39070 Wed 12 May 2021 16:40:46 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38447 Wed 12 May 2021 16:10:18 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39603 Wed 12 May 2021 16:01:39 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41336 Wed 12 May 2021 15:11:47 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41618 Wed 12 May 2021 15:10:54 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40886 Wed 12 May 2021 15:09:39 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40839 Wed 12 May 2021 15:08:09 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42178 Wed 12 May 2021 15:05:54 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41620 Wed 12 May 2021 15:05:32 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42111 Wed 12 May 2021 15:04:32 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41337 Wed 12 May 2021 15:02:23 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41920 Wed 12 May 2021 15:01:32 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:43008 Wed 12 May 2021 15:00:52 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42174 Wed 12 May 2021 15:00:21 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42107 Wed 12 May 2021 14:58:47 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42006 Wed 12 May 2021 14:58:38 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42670 Wed 12 May 2021 14:58:19 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40963 Wed 12 May 2021 14:58:07 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40519 Wed 12 May 2021 14:54:33 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41296 Wed 12 May 2021 14:52:01 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42195 Wed 12 May 2021 14:51:36 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41469 Wed 12 May 2021 14:51:15 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42253 Wed 12 May 2021 14:51:06 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42477 Wed 12 May 2021 14:48:51 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41437 Wed 12 May 2021 14:45:54 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42454 Wed 12 May 2021 14:45:08 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41737 Wed 12 May 2021 14:39:39 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42957 Wed 12 May 2021 14:35:33 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41605 Wed 12 May 2021 14:32:55 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42198 Wed 12 May 2021 14:30:44 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42052 Wed 12 May 2021 14:30:41 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41164 Wed 12 May 2021 14:30:41 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41695 Wed 12 May 2021 14:30:28 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40526 Wed 12 May 2021 14:26:38 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41279 Wed 12 May 2021 14:24:39 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41740 Wed 12 May 2021 14:22:52 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42171 Wed 12 May 2021 14:22:34 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42997 Wed 12 May 2021 14:20:47 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42329 Wed 12 May 2021 14:19:44 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41434 Wed 12 May 2021 14:19:11 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42167 Wed 12 May 2021 14:18:55 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40126 Wed 12 May 2021 14:18:06 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41615 Wed 12 May 2021 14:17:26 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40885 Wed 12 May 2021 14:15:50 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41506 Wed 12 May 2021 14:11:40 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40746 Wed 12 May 2021 14:06:09 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40117 Wed 12 May 2021 14:02:44 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42256 Wed 12 May 2021 14:01:56 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41814 Wed 12 May 2021 14:00:04 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42172 Wed 12 May 2021 13:59:27 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41938 Wed 12 May 2021 13:58:42 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42051 Wed 12 May 2021 13:56:47 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41168 Wed 12 May 2021 13:53:39 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41598 150 K) a divalent acceptor is extracted with an activation energy varying between samples based on compensation in a range of 90 meV to 70 meV. Photoluminescence measurements show four peaks with recombination mechanisms linked to the native acceptor identified in literature as either the gallium antisite and/or vacant gallium site. A fifth peak observed is attributed to the longitudinal phonon of the native acceptor. InAs and InAsSb epilayer are all grown at a temperature of 600 °C and cell pressure of 600 Torr. InAs is grown at a V/III ratio of 9.5 on GaAs substrate. Photoluminescence of the InAs layer shows two distinct peaks, one of which is an extrinsic band to band recombination. The other is attributed to free electron to acceptor or a donor-acceptor pair transition. An additional weak peak is also observed which is assigned to the longitudinal phonon of the band to band. InAsSb growth was conducted under a range of V/III ratios of 4.8 to 5, with a vapour phase composition of 0.4 to 0.435. Structural analysis via X-ray diffraction showed a 6 % to 12 % solid antimony content. Photoluminescence exhibited a single broad peak for all samples, with extended band tails. Temperature and power dependant analysis of luminescence indicated a convolution of extrinsic band to tail and band to band recombinations. Hall measurements indicated the InAsSb was n-type material with an apparent measured maximum mobility at 120 K of 9.5 × 103 cm2/V.s. and a room temperature apparent mobility of 7.5 × 103 cm2/V.s. Analysis of hall results using a two-layer model calculated a true bulk mobility of the epilayer at room temperature with an increased value of 15.4 × 103 cm2/V.s. The two-layer model details the effects of the surface conduction. From photoconductivity measurements and further analysis a resultant effective lifetime, at room temperature, was found to be on same order of magnitude as that of InAs materials. Application of a single Einstein oscillator extrapolated 0 K energy gaps for two samples of solid Sb contents of 6 % and 12 %, of 354 meV and 332 meV, respectively. Finally consideration was given to the growth of aluminium containing compounds, particularly AlGaSb. Multiple phases were observed under scanning electron microscope showing growth of GaSb regions surrounded by amorphous solid aluminium and/or aluminium oxide phases. The failure of the aluminium to incorporate into the desired crystal structure is speculated to be due to impure precursor introducing oxygen into the films. Additionally, the effectiveness of the gallium precursor compared to the aluminium precursor in helping the removal of the methyl groups at the growth surface, could also promote a preference for GaSb growth.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 13:53:32 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42474 Wed 12 May 2021 13:51:58 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42175 Wed 12 May 2021 13:49:43 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42201 Tue 15 Aug 2023 11:29:30 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42759 10 m depth) and inshore sites (intertidal surf zones). Many sites in the bay, especially the atypical site at Cape Recife, exhibit higher than the average pH levels (>8.04), suggesting that pH variability may be biologically driven. This is further evidenced by high diurnal variability in pH (~0.55 pH units). Although the specific drivers of the high pH variability in Algoa Bay could not be identified, baseline carbonate chemistry conditions were identified, which is necessary information to design and interpret biological experiments. Long-term, continuous monitoring is required to improve understanding of the drivers of pH variability in understudied coastal regions, like Algoa Bay. A local fisheries species, D. capensis, was selected as a model species to assess the impacts of future OA scenarios in Algoa Bay. It was hypothesized that this temperate, coastally distributed species would be adapted to naturally variable pH conditions and thus show some tolerance to low pH, considering that they are exposed to minimum pH levels of 7.77 and fluctuations of up to 0.55 pH units. Laboratory perturbation experiments were used to expose early postflexion stage of D. capensis to a range of pH treatments that were selected based on the measured local variability (~8.0–7.7 pH), as well as future projected OA scenarios (7.6–7.2 pH). Physiological responses were estimated using intermittent flow respirometry by quantifying routine and active metabolic rates as well as relative aerobic scope at each pH treatment. The behavioural responses of the larvae were also assessed at each pH treatment, as activity levels, by measuring swimming distance and speed in video-recording experiments, as well as feeding rates. D. capensis had sufficient physiological capacity to maintain metabolic performance at pH levels as low as 7.27, as evidenced by no changes in any of the measured metabolic rates (routine metabolic rate, active metabolic rate, and relative aerobic scope) after exposure to the range of pH treatments (8.02–7.27). Feeding rates of D. capensis were similarly unaffected by pH treatment. However, it appears that subtle increases in activity level (measured by swimming distance and swimming speed experiments) occur with a decrease in pH. These changes in activity level were a consequence of a change in behaviour rather than metabolic constraints. This study concludes, however, that based on the parameters measured, there is no evidence for survival or fitness related consequences of near future OA on D. capensis. OA research is still in its infancy in South Africa, and the potential impacts of OA to local marine resources has not yet been considered in local policy and resource management strategies. Integrating field monitoring and laboratory perturbation experiments is emerging as best practice in OA research. This is the first known study on the temperate south coast of South Africa to quantify local pH variability and to use this information to evaluate the biological response of a local species using relevant local OA scenarios as treatment levels for current and near future conditions. Research on local conditions in situ and the potential impacts of future OA scenarios on socio-economically valuable species, following the model developed in this study, is necessary to provide national policy makers with relevant scientific data to inform climate change management policies for local resources.]]> Thu 29 Sep 2022 12:42:34 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38509 Thu 13 May 2021 15:55:13 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37667 Thu 13 May 2021 10:59:19 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39403 Thu 13 May 2021 08:54:11 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:33249 Thu 13 May 2021 07:39:35 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34282 Thu 13 May 2021 07:18:46 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34163 Thu 13 May 2021 06:59:15 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38211 Thu 13 May 2021 06:15:33 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38497 Thu 13 May 2021 05:20:34 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38089 3000 cases and controls) are required. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine that is important in both innate and adaptive immunity that has been shown to play a role in T. brucei pathogenicity using murine models. A total of 27 missense SNVs were modelled using homology modelling to create MIF protein mutants that were investigated using in silico effect prediction tools, molecular dynamics (MD), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Dynamic Residue Network (DRN) analysis. Our results demonstrate that mutations P2Q, I5M, P16Q, L23F, T24S, T31I, Y37H, H41P, M48V, P44L, G52C, S54R, I65M, I68T, S75F, N106S, and T113S caused significant conformational changes. Further, DRN analysis showed that residues P2, T31, Y37, G52, I65, I68, S75, N106, and T113S are part of a similar local residue interaction network with functional significance. These results show how polymorphisms such as missense SNVs can affect protein conformation, dynamics, and function. Trypanosomes are auxotrophic for folates and pterins but require them for survival. They scavenge them from their hosts. PTR1 is a multifunctional enzyme that is unique to trypanosomatids that reduces both pterins and folates. In the presence of DHFR inhibitors, PTR1 is over-expressed thus providing an escape from the effects of DHFR inhibition. Both TbPTR1 and TbDHFR are pharmacologically and genetically validated drug targets. In this study 5742 compounds were screened using molecular docking, and 13 promising binding modes were further analysed using MD simulations. The trajectories were analysed using RMSD, Rg, RMSF, PCA, Essential Dynamics Analysis (EDA), Molecular Mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) binding free energy calculations, and DRN analysis. The computational screening approach allowed us to identify five of the compounds, named RUBi004, RUBi007, RUBi014, RUBi016 and RUBi018 that exhibited antitrypanosomal growth activities against trypanosomes in culture with IC50 values of 12.5 ± 4.8 μM, 32.4 ± 4.2 μM, 5.9 ± 1.4 μM, 28.2 ± 3.3 μM, and 9.7 ± 2.1 μM, respectively. Further when used in combination with WR99210 a known TbDHFR inhibitor RUBi004, RUBi007, RUBi014 and RUBi018 showed antagonism while RUBi016 showed an additive effect. These results indicate that the four compounds might be competing with TbDHFR while RUBi016 might be more specific for TbPTR1. These compounds provide scaffolds that can be further optimised to improve their potency and specificity. Lastly, using a systematic approach we derived CHARMM force-field parameters to accurately describe the TbrPDEB1 bi-metal catalytic center. For dynamics, we employed mixed bonded and non-bonded approach. We optimised the structure using a two-layer QM/MM ONIOM (B3LYP/6-31(g): UFF). The TbrPDEB1 bi-metallic center bonds, angles, and dihedrals were parameterized by fitting the energy profiles from Potential Energy Surface (PES) scans to the CHARMM potential energy function. The parameters were validated by means of MD simulations and analysed using RMSD, Rg, RMSF, hydrogen bonding, bond/angle/dihedral evaluations, EDA, PCA, and DRN analysis. The force-field parameters were able to accurately reproduce the geometry and dynamics of the TbrPDEB1 bi-metal catalytic center during MD simulations. Molecular docking was used to identify 6 potential hits, that inhibited trypanosome growth in vitro. The derived force-field parameters were used to simulate the 6 protein-ligand complexes with the aim of elucidating crucial protein-ligand residue interactions. Using the most potent ligand RUBi022 that had an IC50 of 14.96 μM we were able to identify key residue interactions that can be of use in in silico prediction of potential TbrPDEB1 inhibitors. Overall we demonstrate how bioinformatics tools can complement current disease eradication strategies. Future work will focus on identifying variants identified in Genome Wide Association Studies and partnering with wet labs to carry out further enzyme-ligand activity relationship studies, structure determination or characterisation of appropriate protein-ligand complexes by crystallography, and site specific mutation studies]]> Thu 13 May 2021 04:20:49 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35424 Thu 13 May 2021 02:53:44 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39566 Thu 13 May 2021 02:43:45 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34291 Thu 13 May 2021 02:24:07 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:32315 Thu 13 May 2021 02:16:00 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39841 Thu 13 May 2021 01:37:25 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37930 Thu 13 May 2021 01:30:26 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39575 2500g), and,therefore,most likely term gestation. Saving Babies further reported that 22.9% of all live births in South Africa was premature and 22.8% of birthswere unexplained intra-uterine deaths. Prematurity is one major complication of chorioamnionitis. When susceptibility for chorioamnionitis is considered during early pregnancy, it is possible to intervene and prevent or even reduce the incidences and complications of chorioamnionitis.A qualitative research study was conducted in three phases. In Phase One(Part One), a theoretically constructed patient scenario of chorioamnionitis was presented to ten midwives,and semi-structured individual interviews were done to elicit information regarding how they screen for and manage chorioamnionitis. In Phase One(Part Two), experienced medical practitioners in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology were individually interviewed, also using semi-structured individual interviewsto gain their views regarding chorioamnionitis as a contributing factor to maternal morbidity and mortality. Qualitative findings in Phase Oneindicated that there is a general lack of knowledge regarding chorioamnionitis among midwives, resulting ininadequate screening, misdiagnosis and mismanagement of the condition. Experienced medical practitioners confirmed that chorioamnionitis is underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed or undiagnosed and underreported,and they hold views that it is difficult to treat and control pregnancy-related infections according to current practice.An integrative literature review was conductedin Phase Twoand literature regarding diagnostic biomarkers, screening options to diagnose chorioamnionitis and management of chorioamnionitis were extracted. After evidence synthesisofPhase Oneand Phase Twodata, a best practice guidelinefor screening and managing viiwomen withchorioamnionitiswas developed usingthe National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guideline development approach in Phase Three. The purpose of the best practice guideline for screening and managing women with chorioamnionitis was to provide a guideline onhow to manage women who are at risk and those who present with signs and symptoms of chorioamnionitis at any stage during their pregnancy. Five recommendations were made that involve screening for chorioamnionitisand causative factors, biomarkers to diagnose chorioamnionitis, management of chorioamnionitis that includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological management, and health education to women.Ethics for this research study were guided by the ethical principles and guidelines of the Belmont Report. The trustworthiness of this research study was adopted from Ravitch and Carl,and was based on criticality, reflexivity, collaboration, and rigour. An independent coder and reviewer wereto verify the data that were included in the best practice guideline. Expert reviewersappraised the best practice guidelineusing Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tools.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 01:25:46 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38100 Thu 13 May 2021 01:12:05 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38423 Thu 06 Jul 2023 06:51:22 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42109 80%. The formulation composition identified was subsequently used for the optimization of the manufacturing parameters viz. sonication time and amplitude, using a Central Composite Design (CCD) . The LC and EE, in vitro CLA release, cytotoxicity, osmolarity, pH, degree of crystallinity and lipid modification, elemental analysis and surface morphology of the optimized batch was investigated and mon itored to ensure that CLA - loaded NLC, of the desirable quality, had been produced. On the day of manufacture the mean PS and PDI of the optimized CLA - loaded NLC formulation adjusted to physiological osmolarity (250 – 450 mOsm/kg) was 461.9 ± 40.16 nm and 0. 523 ± 0.104, respectively. The ZP for the optimized NLC generated on the day of manufacture using HPLC grade water as the dispersion medium was - 20.5 ± 4.82 mV. The pH and osmolarity of the optimized CLA - loaded NLC formulation was 7.76 ± 0.01 and 316 ± iii 2 m Osm/Kg, respectively and the EE was 88.62 ± 0.23 %. The optimized NLC exhibited a decreased crystallinity in comparison to the bulk lipid materials. DSC, WAXS and FT - IR revealed that CLA was molecularly dispersed in the nanocarriers. The optimized CLA - load ed NLC exhibited muco - adhesive properties, when tested under stationary conditions using laser doppler anemometry (LDA). The optimized formulation also exhibited sustained release of CLA over 24 hours during in vitro release testing and CLA release was bes t described using the Baker - Lonsdale model . The cumulative % CLA released over 24 hours was 56.13 ± 0.23% and mass balance analysis revealed 41.38 ± 0.02% CLA had been retained in the NLC. In vitro cytotoxicity testing revealed that the optimized CLA - NLC w ere less cytotoxic to HeLa cells when compared to CLA alone and further confirmed that the lipids and excipients used in these studies were of GRAS status . Stability studies revealed that the EE reduced over 28 days by 14.42% and 5.14% when stored at 4 °C and 22 °C , respectively. In addition, the particle size increased from the nm to μm range for samples stored at 22 °C. The findings are a good starting point but require further optimization to ensure prolongation of stability. In addition , the technology requires additional developmental studies and a powder for reconstitution for use as a single - dose considered as single dose packaging may be a solution to the compromised formulation stability observed in these studies. The CLA - NLC produced in these stu dies exhibit sound product attributes which serve as a useful foundation for the novel delivery of antibiotics to the eye. The results suggest that the optimized NLC have the potential to enhance precorneal retention and increase ocular availability of CLA , which in turn may be useful to reduce the required dose and dosing frequency when administering CLA as a reconstituted solution to treat susceptible organisms that infect ocular tissues.]]> Fri 06 Aug 2021 09:14:42 SAST ]]>